phoque
/fɔk/masculine
The French word for seal (the pinniped) is phoque.
phoque is used to refer to the marine mammal. Note that this is distinct from the verbs cacheter, which means to close something securely and sceller, which means to place a seal on a document.
Meaning: pinniped (noun)
Which one should you use?
While phoque refers specifically to a seal, the term otarie is used to refer to a sea lion.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun phoque is masculine, meaning it is preceded by the masculine article le to form le phoque.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should be careful with the pronunciation of phoque, as it sounds identical to a common English profanity.
Did you know?
- The term phoque originates from the Ancient Greek word φώκη, which entered French via Latin.
- Because phoque sounds like an English swear word, it is a frequent subject of bilingual puns and jokes in French-English classrooms.
- The word phoque is a cognate with the Italian 'foca' and Spanish 'foca'.
Examples in context
- Le phoque est un mammifère marin.A seal is a marine mammal.The first example is useful for defining the animal as a marine mammal.Tatoeba #4468592 by Mutusen, translation #13052513 by araneo
- Peux-tu faire la différence entre un phoque et une otarie ?Can you tell the difference between a seal and a sea lion?The second example is useful for highlighting the distinction between a seal and a sea lion.Tatoeba #8925744 by lbdx, translation #8926338 by carlosalberto
- Le phoque gris est une espèce de mammifères marins.The gray seal is a marine mammal species.
- J'ai vu une otarie magnifique dans l'océan.I saw a magnificent seal in the ocean.
- Un phoque se repose sur la glace.A seal is resting on the ice.
Example conversation
Two people are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- NathanRegarde ce petit phoque sur le rocher !Look at that little seal on the rock!
- ChloéIl est vraiment adorable, Nathan.He is really adorable, Nathan.
- NathanEst-ce qu'il va nager bientôt ?Is he going to swim soon?
- ChloéJe pense qu'il va dormir un peu.I think he is going to sleep a little.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “seal” translations and entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries phoque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
